An Assessment of High-Performance Work System Theory towards Academic Development, Work Environment and Promotion in Higher Education: A Thailand and International Comparison
Purpose: To examine High-Performance Work Systems (HPWS) as a framework for academic development, work environment, and promotion among faculty in higher education. Design/methodology/approach: A mixed-methods approach that employed both quantitative tools with an administered survey and quali-tative interactions using the interview process was used. Participants were recruited using a systematic and random sampling approach of faculty in Thailand and selected international institutions. Findings: Four hundred and sixty-three participants, including 236 from Thailand and 227 from international institutions, completed the survey with 20 participants from each of Thailand and international insti-tutions involved in interviews. HPWS as a theoretical framework in the academic environment was associated with academic development and promotion (p<0.001). Differences were identified in the performance indicators and promotion criteria between Thailand and international participants. Social inequality, disproportionate administrative decision-making, and wellness towards promoting a healthy work and life balance emerged as central themes. Practical implications: Study findings consistent through comparative literature, statistical testing, and saturation of inter-view responses revealed that HPWS as a theoretical framework in human resource management ap-plies to academic development and promotion experiences in higher education. Originality/value: The paper could continue the evaluation and application of HPWS as a human resource framework towards the mutual benefit of performance and promotion of faculty and higher education institutions.